Camping with four-legged friends is one of the most enjoyable experiences, especially during summer. If you are one of the dog owners that treasure their pups as family members, the idea of leaving them behind is probably not yours.
Having time with your dog is suitable for bonding and introducing them to healthy activities while encouraging them to trust you. The activities you teach them will also impact your life as they will keep you active and happy.
Your dog will enjoy the camping activity as much as you do or even more. There are a few things you should consider to ensure their comfort. When making a camping reservation, ensure you inquire if they allow four-legged visitors in their campsites. Every campground has different pet regulations; therefore, you should check out to see if your mutt will keep up with the existing rules. You'll also need to find a dog-friendly place where your pup will engage in several fun activities without any risk.
Below are a few things you will need to do before and during your camping to ensure your dog enjoys the treat;
Consider a Trial Run
You need to know the personality of your dog. If your pup has never been out camping, you should do a trial run within your compound. Find out how your dog will behave in a roof top tent! Also, determine how he feels when you leash him for several hours.
While camping, many times you'll go out for long adventurous walks. Take him along with you and test his walking ability and how he likes it. By walking, you will learn how cautious or aggressive he is and whether you'll need to put a lot of work into securing him. Campgrounds are supposed to be relaxing places; therefore, camp owners will not take any pet aggressiveness. Train him on leash behavior and a few commands to make the camping experience more enjoyable.
Spend some more time together outdoors. Perhaps he is used to the indoor environment and has little or no interest in outdoor relaxing. It would be best if you took a few days to familiarise them with the weather outdoors.
Schedule an Appointment With Your Dog's Vet
Your dog's health is paramount. You'll not want to go with a dull friend that is not entertained by anything. Take your dog for an examination by a vet to ensure he is well and good to go out. If your pup has a chronic illness or may be allergic to certain weather conditions, camping may not be appropriate for him. Inquire from its vet for the best advice.
Many camps require all pets to have up-to-date vaccinations against rabies. While this is necessary for your dog, the camping preparation should remind you to check with your pet's vet if he is still secure.
Some camping places are located in areas with fleas and ticks infestation. Ensure you receive the ideal prescriptions before you begin the journey. Although microchipping is unnecessary for any camp, it might be a good idea if you consider it. Some places are open with many visitors and other pets. It can be a challenge sometimes to reunite with your dog; hence it is essential to microchip them.
Finding veterinary services along the way can be tricky and costly. Make sure to find one for the health of your dog before you set on for the journey.
Carry Your Pet First Aid Kit With You
Minor injuries might be hard to prevent. Also, campsites deep in the forests or at the top of the mountain may be far from veterinary access. Although you should find vet services before embarking on the camping journey, you need to pack your pet's first aid kit in case of unpredictable emergencies.
Ensure your kit has the following items;
- Gauze- for wrapping wounds
- Non-Stick bandages or towels to control blood
- Adhesive tapes
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Thermometer
- Milk of magnesia activated charcoal
- A doormat to help you stabilize your dog and many other items.
You can check with your pet vet for advice on the appropriate items to carry along the pet's first aid kit. It is also good to have the pet's emergency clinic contacts if your dog's condition needs an emergency attendance by a vet.
Bring Toys and More Water
Some dogs might find the camping experience weird when you're already out. Boredom can also creep them during some activities. A few toys might exhilarate them. Therefore pack some of his favorite toys to keep him busy and excited.
Water is a necessity for both of you. It might be hard to access drinkable water while in some campsites. Your pet needs to remain hydrated all the time. You also need some water in case of an injury. In aid to protect your dog's health, ensure you carry a lot of water with you. A collapsible dog bowl that clips onto a backpack can help to hydrate him, especially during a hike deep into the forest or up the mountain.
Keep Your Dog on a Leash
In a campsite, there are probably many other visitors with their pets. Controlling your pet is necessary to avoid invading their campgrounds. Please keep your dog on the lead and ensure he constantly stays around you. If your dog runs all over, he can bump on ferocious wild animals that can attack them.
Since your dog is new to the environment, he can go far and lose track of your location. Finding them can be disastrous. You will also not be able to clean after his mess, thus, becoming a bother to the fellow campers. This makes it why you should train your dog to stay calm and restrained before setting off for camping.
Final Thoughts
There is no better way of spending the summer seasons than taking a long drive to a favorite campsite with your four-legged buddy. Staring at the stars, breathing in the fresh air away from the city contamination, the aroma that comes with the campfires is the way to go. With a bit of preparation, you are good to go in the company of your pup. Try it out.
https://koa.com/blog/tips-from-camping-with-dogs/
https://www.rover.com/blog/dog-camping-tips/
https://www.woofadvisor.com/blog/10-tips-tricks-for-tent-camping-with-dogs/
